The Preacher's Monthly Exodus 35:29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering to the LORD, every man and woman… I. A GREAT DEMAND. 1. God sometimes makes demands upon His people. Sometimes by providential calls for help. Our brother dies suddenly and leaves his orphan children dependent on our care. In these children God comes to us and says — Give! 2. The demands which God makes upon His people are sometimes apparently harsh and unreasonable. Here, from these newly-escaped slaves, He demands a Tabernacle which cost, it is computed, at least £250,000. 3. God sometimes makes demands upon His people which cannot be met without real self-sacrifice. 4. He demands that these sacrifices shall be made with good will (chap. Exodus 25:2; 35:5; 1 Corinthians 8:12; 1 Corinthians 9:7). God makes such demands upon His people — (1) Not because He needs anything at their hand (Psalm 50:9-12). (2) But solely for their welfare. (a) They need to be saved from covetousness, which is idolatry. (b) They need to have their character ennobled, and this can be accomplished only by the exercise of self-denial. (c) They need channels for the expression of gratitude and joy. By those who truly love God, opportunities by which they may honour Him are welcomed with eager joy. II. A GLORIOUS RESPONSE. The demand for contributions for the erection of the Tabernacle was more than met (Exodus 36:5-7). How did this come to pass? 1. A spirit of holy enthusiasm possessed the people. 2. This spirit of holy enthusiasm possessed not a few wealthy men only, but the whole people (vers. 21, 29). 3. This spirit of holy enthusiasm moved them to give not only of their superfluity, but also things needful to them in daily life (vers. 22-24); and not only to give, but also to labour (ver. 25). 4. This spirit of holy enthusiasm transformed every sacrifice that was made for God into an occasion and cause of great joy. So, again, was it at the erection of the Temple (1 Chronicles 29:9). Finally, this glorious response on the part of the people was gloriously acknowledged by the Most High (chap. Exodus 40:34, 35). (The Preacher's Monthly.) Parallel Verses KJV: The children of Israel brought a willing offering unto the LORD, every man and woman, whose heart made them willing to bring for all manner of work, which the LORD had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. |
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